From August 27th through September 7th, the 375-acre Empire Expo Centre in Syracuse comes alive to bring visitors one of the biggest and best state fair experiences in the world: The Great New York State Fair. For twelve days, there’s a world-class entertainment lineup, massive Midway, agricultural demonstrations and competitions, showcases for local agri-producers, concessions and a huge marketplace.

Some of the agricultural displays at the New York State Fair offer something a little different, such as a Dairy Cow Birthing Centre, where you can witness first-hand a dairy cow giving birth to a calf (definitely not something that many of us get to see these days). There’s also a whole schedule dedicated to llamas, a 4-H Youth Dog show Schedule, an Iron-Chef type event on Beef Day (September 1st), and various other agriculture related shows to watch and take part in.

Attending the Taste NY Wine and Cheese Seminars at the Fair will allow you to not only taste local produce, but also learn from local producers about how wines are made, and even pick up tips for making your own homemade wines and beers.

For music lovers, this Fair really packs a punch. Huge recording artists such as Hank Williams Jr, Eric Church, Patti LaBelle, Everclear, Rick Springfield, Buckcherry, Melissa Etheridge, Snoop Dogg, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, the Steve Miller Band, and many more will be playing. While you’ll need to buy tickets to see several of these acts, many are performing for free.

As for other entertainment at the New York State Fair, you can catch hilarious comedian Jim Gaffigan performing on Friday the 28th, see live dance performances, lots and lots of horse shows, and much more. Thrill-seekers will love the huge Midway at the fairgrounds. One of the great things about this Fair is that there’s always so much going on; You can visit every year and have a completely different experience every time that you come.

As with all fairs these days, there will of course be crazy fair food to try, including this deep-fried burger that comes sandwiched between two grilled-cheese sandwiches and topped with bacon, cheese, and pickles (all deep-fried too!) – that sounds like it would encompass a whole week’s worth of your calorific intake! At the other end of the scale, for the first time in the Fair’s history there will be a vegetarian/ vegan stand too, from the acclaimed Syracuse based Strong Hearts Café.

Because the Great New York State Fair is spread out over such a huge area, those with mobility concerns will want to arrange for a mobility scooter or wheelchair to be available in order to fully enjoy their experience. Scootaround is on site, and as the exclusive scooter, wheelchair, stroller, and wagon rental service of the 2015 New York State Fair, you can rest assured that we’ll help meet your needs, whatever your needs are. Click here for more information or to book online in advance.